Trachyphyllia geoffroyi (Open Brain Coral)

Trachyphyllia geoffroyi, the Open Brain Coral or Wellsophyllia, is a free-living LPS coral that rests on the sand bed and displays extraordinarily vivid brain-like patterning in combinations of red, green, blue, and cream. Each specimen has a unique colour pattern and the coral inflates significantly during feeding, expanding to several times its skeleton size. It is one of the most visually spectacular LPS corals available in the trade.

Low to medium PAR (50–150) — avoid high-light placement. Gentle to moderate flow. Alk 8–10 dKH, Ca 400–450 ppm, temp 24–27°C. Place on open sand bed. Target feed with meaty foods 2–3× weekly — Trachyphyllia is a greedy feeder and will inflate dramatically around food. Ensure no sand burial. Very peaceful. Fragging possible but complex — requires a wet tile saw to divide the skeleton.